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Home Ideas

Your Handy Guide On What You Can And Cannot Recycle

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Your Handy Guide On What You Can And Cannot Recycle

May 16, 2017

You’ve probably seen those big blue recycling bins around your estate, but how often do you use them? They’re part of our National Recycling Programme and provided by NEA-licensed public waste collectors at all HDB estates and landed properties in Singapore. 

(Photo: Ng Sor Luan)

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How It Works

The collection system is a commingled one where all four types of recyclables (that is, glass, metal, paper, plastic) go into one blue recycling bin.

Each bin has information on what can and cannot be recycled. For instance, food and liquid waste should not be thrown inside as they can contaminate the recyclables and make them unsuitable for recycling, not to mention draw pests. 

Containers with liquids other than plain water should be emptied, rinsed and washed, while boxes should be flattened where possible to save space in the bin.

Recycling trucks collect from the bins daily or thrice a week, depending on the sector. The recyclables are taken to material recovery facilities where they are sorted by a semi- automated process into paper, plastics, metal and glass. Each sorted group is sent to a local or overseas recycling plant and made into new products.

Here are examples of what can and cannot be recycled:

https://www.womensweekly.com.sg/gallery/style/home-ideas/handy-guide-recycle/
Your Handy Guide On What You Can And Cannot Recycle
PAPER
image

CAN RECYCLE

• Books, magazines (glossy and non-glossy) and envelopes (with or without plastic window)

• Brochures (glossy and non-glossy) and fliers

• Carton boxes, milk and juice cartons and egg trays

• Telephone directories

• Greeting cards

• Paper bags

• Newspaper

PAPER
image

CANNOT RECYCLE

• Disposable chopsticks, paper cups and plates

• Tissue, serviettes and toilet paper

• Wax paper

• Greasy pizza boxes

PLASTICS
image

CAN RECYCLE

• Beverage bottles, body wash and shampoo bottles

• Detergent bottles

• Plastic bags

• CDs and casings

PLASTICS
image

CANNOT RECYCLE

• Takeaway food containers (made of styrofoam or PS plastics). PS plastics are represented by the number six in the triangle plastic code usually printed on the container.

• Disposable plates, bowls, cutlery and straws

• Cassette and video tapes

• Plastic film packaging for food

• Bubble wrap

METALS
image

CAN RECYCLE

• Aerosol cans (must be completely empty)

• Aluminium trays and foil

• Biscuit, milk and food tins

• Drink, food and paint cans (empty)

METALS
image

CANNOT RECYCLE

• Anything containing mercury (i.e. batteries)

• Wire hangers

• Scrap metal

GLASS
image

CAN RECYCLE

• Beverage bottles

• Cosmetic bottles

• Glass cups and plates

• Sauce and condiment bottles

GLASS
image

CANNOT RECYCLE

• Ceramics

• Light bulbs

• Mirrors

• Window glass

READ MORE:
6 Ways You Can Recycle Used Beauty Product Packaging
How To Look Good While Saving The Earth With Eco-Friendly Fashion
5 Expert Tips For A More Eco-Friendly Home That Won’t Cramp Your Style

Text: Zero Waste SG via The Straits Times / Additional Reporting: Elizabeth Liew
Photos: Pixabay

  • TAGS:
  • environmentally friendly
  • recycle
  • save the earth
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